For the New Year's Eve party, it's a tradition in Beijing to dress up in your best clothes, bring your favorite or close friends, and gather at Times Square.
Although Lian Han missed it last time, she made up for it this time. As for her dance partner at the party, Ling Xin volunteered without hesitation. And Lian Han, faced with the choice between public criticism and being tormented by the Ling family's scrutiny, agreed without hesitation.
Anyway, she doesn't care much about public opinion. As long as people don't gossip about her under her nose, or spread rumors about her having multiple relationships like last time, she can accept it.
However, plans can't keep up with changes. Just as the host finished his simple opening remarks and Lian Han was about to place his hand on his brother's, two more hands reached out in front of him.
Ling Xin, the eldest son of the Ling family and a major, is currently in charge of federal foreign affairs. He is a model of a handsome, rich, and successful man. This time, he even brought a female companion, which is unusual for him, so he already attracted a lot of attention. Suddenly, two people came over to snatch his female companion away, and the identity of the newcomers immediately ignited the gossip of the crowd.
Lian Han, who was at the heart of the gossip, looked at Jing Li and Xu Yao, the culprits, and was speechless. Just as she was about to firmly state her position and pull Ling Xin away, she heard Jing Li say, "Major Ling, please allow me to borrow your sister for a moment."
“My female companion, not to be lent,” Ling Xin said firmly. He still remembered that his sister admitted that Han Jin was her, and that Han Jin was supposedly a disciple of His Majesty Juecheng, while Jing Li was rumored to be the one who killed His Majesty.
Meanwhile, Xu Yao, the owner of the other hand, seemed to realize that his gesture was inappropriate. He withdrew his hand and silently conveyed a message to his master: [Jing Li has discovered something about the Blood Nether Palace.]
Inquire about the Blood Netherworld Palace—this was the second task Lian Han gave Xu Yao, in addition to the previous purification card task.
Is it urgent?
[Yes, master. You'd better go with him now.]
On this side, Jing Li spoke again with a half-smile: "Major Ling, after all these years, you are the first person to refuse me. You came to see her in front of everyone, and she is the youngest daughter of the Ling family, so naturally I would not harm her."
Lian Han: ...
Her gaze swept over the crowd that had unconsciously moved closer, and their surprised expressions. Tsk! She'd been exposed now.
Lian Han sighed softly and looked at Ling Xin, "Big brother, Lord Jing Li probably has something to discuss with me. I'll be right back."
"Then be careful yourself," Ling Xin reluctantly conceded.
"Let's go, Miss." Jingli grasped Lian Han's hand.
Watching them leave, Ling Xin immediately sent a message to her father explaining the situation, her brow furrowed with worry. However, he was actually pleased that his sister's identity had been exposed; now she had even less reason to refuse them…
Once outside Times Square, Lian Han frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Why haven't you mentioned that person has their eye on you?" Jingli's expression was no longer as calm as before.
Knowing that he was referring to Cangming, Lian Han said, "I absolutely don't need to tell you everything."
Thinking about their relationship, Jingli sighed softly, "Alright, let's not talk about that for now. Get away from Times Square right now. Someone is going to take you away from here."
Lian Han: ?!
Lian Han frowned. "They have some nerve."
"The Blood Netherworld Palace is used to being arrogant. But if you're not here, they have no reason to make a move in Times Square again; instead, they'll come looking for you. So, are you coming with me?"
"That would implicate you, wouldn't it?"
Jingli chuckled softly, "I'm not afraid of that. Besides, you haven't done what you promised me yet."
"Then lead the way. After this is over, let me try. Maybe I can save that person's life."
“Okay.” Jing Li agreed, then led Lian Han into the hovercar next to them and drove towards her villa.
How did you know they were going to make a move?
“I spent some time in the Blood Nether Palace and planted a few spies there. I just didn’t expect that you would be the one I targeted.”
"So what are they planning to do?"
“I don’t know the specifics either. But since he’s taking you away, he probably won’t use any harsh methods. It’s more likely that he’s using his manipulative tactics. When we get back, I’ll make you a few mind-awakening cards so you can always carry them with you.”
"You care about me a lot." Lian Han's heart stirred, and his tone was tentative.
"Isn't it because I haven't gotten what I want yet? During this time, you'd better stay with me obediently, don't leave, and don't try to access Skynet, understand?"
"Understood," Lian Han replied. Ever since that chosen one, Skynet had become unsafe.
"By the way, Xuyao, he..."
"Don't worry, junior sister. He should arrive at the villa before me. You can let your family and friends know you're safe now. Of course, you can do it tomorrow or the day after."
"Let's report it now." I feel like if we wait until tomorrow, Ling Wei and the others will be able to come knocking on our door demanding our people back.
After sending messages to Ling Xin, An He, Aunt Chen, and the others, Lian Han suddenly asked, "I don't really understand why they want to create chaos in Skynet."
Even though several months have passed and it's the New Year, the Tianwang death incident is still being discussed on forums, demonstrating its impact.
"When people die in Skynet, the first impression is naturally that the Federation failed to act properly and did not detect and eliminate the danger in time. After all, the Federation has always claimed that the Skynet mastermind is under their control."
"That's only a portion of the population. Even if they have grievances, with the Federation's prosperity, can they really cause any major upheaval?"
"Turning the world upside down is unlikely, but overthrowing a company is very easy."
"Like the Han family?" Lian Han raised an eyebrow.
"It shouldn't be the Han family. Han Ningshu's accident would easily lead everyone to believe that the Han family was also a victim. Then the blame wouldn't be directed at them."
"Could it be the Ling family?"
“No,” Jingli said confidently. “The Ling family’s prosperity lasted no more than a hundred years. He wouldn’t choose to target the Ling family.”
Lian Han blinked. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Jing Li looked at Lian Han, "Junior Sister, he thinks he is a god and that he can replace the laws. But going with the flow and the inevitable decline after the peak are the real laws of the world. The Ling family is not yet at the peak."
“Marshal Ling holds half of the military power, and his two sons are both outstanding geniuses in the military. If this isn’t the pinnacle of power, what would be?” Lian Han couldn’t help but retort.
"But the Ling family's foundation is unstable. Only when these two sons grow up, or when you become a top-level card maker, will the Ling family's position in the Federation truly be unshakeable."
Lian Han opened his mouth, but didn't know how to refute it, after all, what he said made some sense. Marshal Ling was indeed powerful, but since the purge many years ago, the Ling family had very few blood relatives left, which directly limited their connections in the military, making them a target for the other two marshals.
"Alright, these are not things for you to think about. Your room has been cleaned. Get a good night's sleep when you get there. I'll go make you a wake-up card first."
Thank you.
"If you really want to thank me, just call me senior brother."
"No." Lian Han turned his head away.
Although their relationship had improved somewhat, Lian Han still remembered that he had killed Old Man Xing, and the occasional threats from Jing Li made it impossible for Lian Han to hold a grudge.
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